Student Elections A Response to Syrian Accusations
Future MP Ahmad Fatfat said that the statements broadcast of Syrian State TV accusing the Future Movement funding the militant group Fatah al-Islam represented an attempt by the Syrian regime to influence security coordination with Lebanon, the international tribunal and the 2009 parliamentary elections.
“The response was evidently the opposite in the students’ elections in Notre Dame University and Saint Joseph University in Zahle as well as other elections,” Fatfat added.
In an interview with al-Sharq radio station on Saturday Fatfat said, “If the intention was to frighten the Christian community” it didn’t work because given the results of Friday’s student elections. “If the intention was to try to undermine the solid core of the Future Movement who stands against the big brother’s renewed dreams in Lebanon,” he continued, “the results of the campaign will also be the opposite.”
Fatfat criticized the upcoming visits to Damascus by ministers Ziad Baroud and Elias Murr, saying they could cause confusion, and that it would be better to wait to see how a number of issues developed. “The Syrians issue these false statements against the Future Movement; accordingly, they accuse PM Fouad Siniora. So how will they welcome a minister in Siniora’s cabinet and how will they coordinate with him,” he said.